Get to know our new Shed Wife columnist while reflecting on your beginnings.
I don’t know the first thing about sheds, but I do know, according to my husband, that T1-11 siding is not his preferred choice, 16-on-center is built more like a house, and JMAG is not a finance company.
I have watched this industry thrive over the years, and the statement I hear most from people outside of it is: “I can’t believe how successful those companies are, and that there are so many of them!”
And man, they are right. It almost doesn’t seem possible that we can all exist and do so well. Even though I may not be a shedspert (see what I did there?), I do know one thing—this business is big enough for all of us.
That includes a creative visionary like my husband, who spent over a decade in the music industry, led a team of over 40 people as a director of client experience, served as the chief marketing officer of a shed company, and is now the chief brand officer of JMAG.
With nearly 21 years of marriage, our journey has been a true partnership. Whether I was slinging band merchandise on the road, creating layouts for tiny homes, designing office spaces, writing songs for disruptive marketing campaigns, or setting up at the latest trade show—I have been there for it all.
So, it’s only fitting that I’m here now, talking to you.
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
I have spent most of my career as an entrepreneur. Over the years, I have owned an event planning business, renovated real estate, and become a published author.
This passion started at the ripe old age of 7 when I turned our attic into a makeshift sweatshop. I was puff-painting sweatshirts (I’m dating myself here) or painting rocks and turning them into paperweights. I even recruited a friend from down the street to help with production. My poor neighbors bought from me time and time again despite supplying their own driveway rocks for the cause.
It may come as no surprise that I later took comedy writing classes at The Second City in Chicago. I just wish they could have made me funny.
But seriously, all this to say: I get it.
You’re in the daily grind, trying to build something great for yourself—something extraordinary for your family. For me, that has always been my reason.
TIME TO REFLECT ON YOUR JOURNEY
How do I use the gifts and skills I’ve honed over the years to be the best version of myself? How am I showing up?
How do I capture the excitement of that 7-year-old girl who started her own business and created an opportunity for her friend down the street so she, too, could make enough money to buy all the candy she wanted at the gas station?
So many life experiences have shaped us into who we are, but it’s easy to lose sight of where we started.
Sometimes, metaphorically, we need to go back to that hot attic—to remember the sweat, the passion to make something from nothing, and the people who inspired us to get there.
GRATITUDE FOR THE FOUNDATION
As I reflect on my own humble beginnings, I am incredibly grateful for my grandmothers, in particular. They modeled work ethic and care in a way that gave me the confidence to face the world.
My Granny ran her own beauty salon. My Memaw was a school bus driver and a painter who sold her work at arts and crafts fairs.
Take a moment to reflect on those who helped you get started or inspired you on your journey.
Maybe it was an uncle who loaned you money to get started, a landlord who let you slide on rent during tough times, or a neighbor who bought one of your first products—even if it was just a painted rock.
Success is not built alone.
So, who were the people who showed up for you when you needed it most?
Take a moment to sit with that gratitude. Maybe even reach out and let them know what their kindness meant to you.
The truth is, we all stand on the shoulders of those who believed in us or simply gave us a chance. So, as you continue on your own journey, may you not only honor those who helped you but also strive to be that person for someone else. Because one day, someone might look back and see you as the one person who made a difference.
